[Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Tracks of Japanese Rap
Thanks to the freestyle boom of the 2010s, Japanese rap has come back into the spotlight.
As US rap has become more accessible to the general public via the internet, HIPHOP’s popularity has been growing in Japan as well.
This time, we’ve curated a selection of classic Japanese rap tracks!
We’ve picked gems from old-school eras like the 1990s and 2000s, as well as standout hits from talented up-and-coming rappers leading today’s scene.
Whether you love classic rap or today’s trap, there’s something here for you—so be sure to read to the end!
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[J-Pop Hip-Hop] Classic Japanese Rap Tracks (31–40)
A Guide to Getting High LegallyCreepy Nuts
Creepy Nuts is a duo made up of R-Shitei, the strongest battle MC in Japan, and DJ Matsunaga, the world’s strongest DJ.
They’re an unbelievable “strongest × strongest” combo, yet their unique personalities and the approachable vibe of friendly older brothers have earned them support across a wide range of generations.
Their track ‘Gōhōteki Tobikata no Susume’ (How to Get High Legally) is the work that put their name on the map, carrying a message characteristic of R-Shitei: “Don’t get high by doing dangerous things—let’s get high by listening to music.”
Fla$hBackSFla$hBackS
They’ve put together an incredibly cool track rapping over a classic piece.
Though they’re a young group that started in 2011, their rhymes are impressive and stylish.
The song has a chic vibe and a confident presence.
Flying BAK-69
It’s a track that straightforwardly captures the fighting spirit of rising up from the B-ranks! Released as a single in February 2016, AK-69’s distinctive flow—free of effects like Auto-Tune—rings out powerfully over a low-centered beat.
The song conveys a cry from the soul through its unadorned words, and surely moved many fans.
It drew attention as a tie-in track and was later included on the album DAWN.
Listening to this piece may bring back memories of past events and help you rediscover important feelings you were starting to forget.
It’s a song I especially want people who are ready for a fresh start to hear.
Neva EnuffZEEBRA + AKTION
This work is striking for its very hardcore lyrics and music video.
That’s no surprise, since the track was inspired by Takeshi Kitano’s film “BROTHER.” The one performing with ZEEBRA is the actor Kuroudo Maki, whose MC name is AKTION.
Seeing these two handsome guys exuding menace as they perform together is absolutely powerful.
Planetarium (feat. NORIKIYO)hannya
Even under an urban sky where no stars are visible when you look up at the night, this work carries a powerful message about believing in the light within yourself.
Released digitally in June 2023 and later included on the album “Shin Ohayō Nippon,” the track also drew attention for featuring long-time ally NORIKIYO.
Over a lyrical beat by NAOtheLAIZA, the lyrics—where past pain intersects with present resolve—set listeners’ hearts ablaze.
It was pressed on a 7-inch vinyl in December, becoming a fan favorite in physical form as well.
Depicting the resolve to make the chosen path the right one and the attitude of living with responsibility, it will gently yet firmly push those who are lost.
It’s a perfect song for quiet, solitary reflection at night.
[Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Tracks in Japanese Rap (41–50)
Even in a Downpour REMIX (feat. Benjazzy & MACCHO)hannya
Amid a cold, pouring rain, three rappers from different generations clash their distinct aesthetics in a mic relay.
Released in March 2021, this work is a remix and a sequel to the original version that dropped the month before.
Over a piano-laced track by NAOtheLAIZA, Hannya teams up with BAD HOP’s Benjazzy and OZROSAURUS’s MACCHO.
Coming right after Hannya’s departure from Showa Record and the launch of his new label, Yacchatta Enterprise, the track brims with extraordinary intensity.
The music video also picks up where the previous installment left off, creating a setup that’s enjoyable as a complete audio-visual experience.
When you feel like you’re about to buckle under a downpour of adversity, give it a listen—you’ll find the strength to hold your ground.
To All Tha DreamersSOUL’d OUT
Rapper Giggy-Mo is captivating for his unique flow and rhyme schemes that go far beyond what you’d expect from a Japanese artist.
SOUL’d OUT is the hip-hop group centered around Diggy-Mo.
They gained popularity with their debut single “Wekapipo” in 2003, and since then they’ve remained at the forefront as major artists in Japanese rap.
Among their songs, the particularly popular “To All Tha Dreamers” stands out for its distinctive sound that blends dance music with Black music.